Booking Amtrak In Massachusetts..!!
Massachusetts, with its rich history, vibrant cities, and stunning natural beauty, is a fantastic place to explore. While the state’s highways can get notoriously congested, there’s a more relaxed, scenic, and often more convenient way to travel: by Amtrak train.
Whether you’re commuting to Boston, venturing out to Western Massachusetts, or heading to New York City or beyond, Amtrak offers a comfortable alternative. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every Amtrak station in the Bay State, providing essential details, amenities, and – crucially – driving distances to key cities and airports to help you plan your journey.
Hop aboard, and let’s explore Massachusetts by rail!
The Amtrak Lines Serving Massachusetts
Before we dive into individual stations, it’s helpful to know which Amtrak services run through Massachusetts:
- Acela Express: High-speed service along the Northeast Corridor, connecting Boston to Washington D.C. with limited stops.
- Northeast Regional: Conventional speed service along the Northeast Corridor, connecting Boston to Virginia. More stops than Acela.
- Lake Shore Limited: Long-distance service connecting Boston (and New York City) to Chicago.
- Downeaster: Regional service connecting Boston to Brunswick, Maine.
- Vermonter: Regional service connecting St. Albans, Vermont to Washington D.C., serving Western Massachusetts.
Boston Area Stations: Hubs and Gateways
The greater Boston area boasts several key Amtrak stations, providing excellent connectivity for both urban and suburban travelers.
1. Boston – South Station (BOS)
- Location: 700 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110
- Lines Served: Acela Express, Northeast Regional, Lake Shore Limited, Downeaster
- Key Features: Boston’s largest transportation hub, offering connections to MBTA subway (Red Line, Silver Line), commuter rail, and bus services. Features a grand waiting area, numerous dining options, shops, and ticketing services. Parking is available nearby (paid).
- Why You’d Use It: Your primary gateway for most Amtrak routes in and out of Boston. Excellent for connecting to various parts of the city and beyond.
2. Boston – North Station (BON)
- Location: 135 Causeway St, Boston, MA 02114
- Lines Served: Downeaster
- Key Features: Located beneath TD Garden, offers connections to MBTA subway (Orange Line, Green Line) and commuter rail lines serving northern Massachusetts. Smaller than South Station, but convenient for those heading to/from Maine or the North Shore.
- Why You’d Use It: Exclusively for Downeaster service. Ideal if you’re coming from or going to Maine, and prefer connecting via North Station’s MBTA lines.
3. Back Bay (BBY)
- Location: 145 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116
- Lines Served: Acela Express, Northeast Regional, Lake Shore Limited
- Key Features: A crucial intermodal station, offering connections to MBTA subway (Orange Line, Commuter Rail) and bus services. Conveniently located in the heart of the Back Bay neighborhood, close to popular attractions.
- Why You’d Use It: Offers a more central Boston stop for Northeast Corridor and Lake Shore Limited trains, often more convenient than South Station if your destination is in the Back Bay, Copley, or Newbury Street areas.
4. Route 128 (RTE)
- Location: 50 University Ave, Westwood, MA 02090
- Lines Served: Acela Express, Northeast Regional
- Key Features: A popular suburban stop with ample paid parking, making it ideal for those who prefer to avoid driving into downtown Boston. Offers connections to MBTA Commuter Rail.
- Why You’d Use It: A great option for commuters and travelers living in the southern Boston suburbs, allowing easy access to Amtrak’s high-speed services without the hassle of city traffic or parking.
Table 1: Boston Area Amtrak Stations – Driving Distances (Approximate)
| Station Name | City/Town | To Downtown Boston (State House) | To NYC (Penn Station) | To Logan Airport (BOS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston – South Station | Boston | 0.5 miles | 215 miles | 3 miles |
| Boston – North Station | Boston | 1 mile | N/A (Downeaster only) | 4 miles |
| Back Bay | Boston | 1.5 miles | 214 miles | 4 miles |
| Route 128 | Westwood | 15 miles | 200 miles | 16 miles |
Central & Western Massachusetts Connections
Beyond the immediate Boston area, Amtrak extends its reach into the heart and western reaches of the Commonwealth, connecting to major cities and scenic towns.
5. Framingham (FRA)
- Location: 250 Waverly St, Framingham, MA 01702
- Lines Served: Lake Shore Limited
- Key Features: A convenient stop for those in the MetroWest region, offering connections to MBTA Commuter Rail. Paid parking is available.
- Why You’d Use It: Ideal for residents of Framingham and surrounding towns looking to travel to Worcester, Springfield, or even Chicago, without driving into Boston.
6. Worcester – Union Station (WOR)
- Location: 2 Washington Sq, Worcester, MA 01604
- Lines Served: Lake Shore Limited
- Key Features: A beautifully restored historic station serving as a major intermodal hub with connections to MBTA Commuter Rail and several bus lines. Offers paid parking.
- Why You’d Use It: The primary Amtrak station for Central Massachusetts, connecting the region to Boston, Springfield, and long-distance travel on the Lake Shore Limited.
7. Springfield (SPG)
- Location: 66 Lyman St, Springfield, MA 01103
- Lines Served: Lake Shore Limited, Vermonter
- Key Features: A grand, newly renovated station that serves as a vital hub for Western Massachusetts, offering connections to Peter Pan Bus Lines and local PVTA buses. Paid parking is available.
- Why You’d Use It: Your main gateway to and from Western Massachusetts, offering direct service to Boston, Chicago, Vermont, and down the Northeast Corridor to Washington D.C.
8. Holyoke (HLK)
- Location: 144 Main St, Holyoke, MA 01040
- Lines Served: Vermonter
- Key Features: A modern, accessible station located near downtown Holyoke. Offers local connections and paid parking.
- Why You’d Use It: Convenient for residents of Holyoke and nearby communities to access the Vermonter service, connecting them to destinations north into Vermont or south to Springfield and beyond.
9. Northampton (NHT)
- Location: 170 Pleasant St, Northampton, MA 01060
- Lines Served: Vermonter
- Key Features: A charming station serving the vibrant cultural hub of Northampton. Provides easy access to downtown shops, restaurants, and colleges. Paid parking options nearby.
- Why You’d Use It: Perfect for visitors and residents of Northampton and the Five College area (UMass Amherst, Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire) looking to travel by rail.
10. Greenfield (GFD)
- Location: 12 Olive St, Greenfield, MA 01301
- Lines Served: Vermonter
- Key Features: The northernmost Amtrak station in Massachusetts, serving the beautiful Pioneer Valley. Offers access to the charming town of Greenfield and surrounding natural attractions. Paid parking available.
- Why You’d Use It: Your entry point to the scenic northern Pioneer Valley and a convenient stop for travelers heading further north into Vermont on the Vermonter.
Table 2: Central & Western MA Amtrak Stations – Driving Distances (Approximate)
| Station Name | City/Town | To Downtown Boston (State House) | To NYC (Penn Station) | To Logan Airport (BOS) | To Bradley Airport (BDL) (CT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framingham | Framingham | 22 miles | 195 miles | 25 miles | N/A |
| Worcester | Worcester | 48 miles | 185 miles | 52 miles | N/A |
| Springfield | Springfield | 90 miles | 140 miles | 95 miles | 18 miles |
| Holyoke | Holyoke | 95 miles | 145 miles | 100 miles | 25 miles |
| Northampton | Northampton | 105 miles | 155 miles | 110 miles | 35 miles |
| Greenfield | Greenfield | 115 miles | 165 miles | 120 miles | 45 miles |
Note: Driving distances are approximate and can vary significantly based on traffic conditions and specific starting/ending points. Bradley International Airport (BDL) is a key airport for Western Massachusetts, located just south of Springfield in Windsor Locks, CT.
Why Choose Amtrak in Massachusetts?
- Beat the Traffic: Avoid the stress of I-90, I-93, and Route 2. Sit back and relax while someone else does the driving.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of New England, from coastal marshes to rolling hills and charming small towns.
- Comfort and Amenities: More legroom than driving or flying, Wi-Fi on many routes, cafe cars, and the ability to move around.
- Convenient Locations: Stations are often centrally located in towns and cities, with good connections to local transport.
- Eco-Friendly: A generally more sustainable mode of transportation compared to individual car travel.
Tips for Your Massachusetts Amtrak Journey
- Book in Advance: Especially for Acela Express and during peak travel times, tickets can be cheaper and more readily available when purchased ahead of time.
- Check Schedules: Always verify departure and arrival times, as they can change.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time to navigate the station, find your platform, and board comfortably, especially at larger hubs like South Station.
- Use the Amtrak App: A great tool for booking tickets, checking train status, and accessing e-tickets.
- Consider Luggage: Amtrak has generous luggage policies compared to airlines, but be mindful of what you can comfortably carry.
- Explore Station Amenities: Larger stations offer shops, restaurants, and comfortable waiting areas.
- Bring Snacks & Entertainment: While cafe cars exist, having your own provisions and something to do makes the journey even more enjoyable.
Massachusetts by train offers a unique perspective and a relaxed travel experience. With this guide, you’re now equipped with all the information you need to confidently plan your next Amtrak adventure through the Commonwealth. Happy travels!